Malcolm, I like both shows for the challenging aspects of culinary cuisine. I just don't think the judging panel are open minded. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy our good old american bbq and back yard burgers, but I just think there are more than one taste out there. Even an italian pizza taste different than the chicago or NY style pizza. My favorite food is the chicago style hot dog with the "neon green" relish.
I've had sea urchin before and I liked it. The edible part of the urchin looks like uncooked shad roe, but it tasted good. My first experience with sushi was awful; I felt uneasy all day. However, after going out with friends and trying it out again, sushi grew on me. Since then, I've appreciated and enjoyed foods from all over the world from french fine wines, spicy thai curry, exotic carribean fruits, cajun cooking, soul food (chitlen), german roasted suckling pig, bison burgers...... I just think all cultures have their uniqueness in food.

Oh, I agree about the judges. I don't want it for the judges, I just want it to get ideas on what to make for me and the wifey. And without a doubt, I enjoy exotic foods but I like to watch people make things I think I am going to like. I'm a HUGE Thai fan and Southwest Virginia needs more of those.

__________________Regret nothing. At one time it was exactly what you wanted.

Lexington is a pretty small town; it does have historic culture due VMI's presence. The closest big town is either Charlotte or Roanoke. Even with these two cities, you are limited in the spice and food selection. With your IT skills, you should move to Northern VA and experience more of this food. We're really big melting pot with so many different ethnic restaurants. I used to go to school in Blacksburg and they didn't have too many choices in chinese or thai restaurants.

I'm not a huge fan of big cities. I was born country and raised country (yet I have no southern accent at all). I'm not a fan of the hustle and bustle even though the salaries would probably be pretty favorable.

__________________Regret nothing. At one time it was exactly what you wanted.

I'm not a huge fan of big cities. I was born country and raised country (yet I have no southern accent at all). I'm not a fan of the hustle and bustle even though the salaries would probably be pretty favorable.

I respect that. Money is not everything in this world. I have lived in both, a rural area and big cities. I learned to apprciate both. Eventhough I live in a metropolitan area, I'm a do it yourself guy. I fix my own car, I paint my own house, I landscape my own yard, and I cook. I enjoy restaurant to experience different food and then replicate them at home if I can.